The Relationship Between Obesity and Psoriasis in the Pediatric Population: Implications and Future Directions

The relationship between psoriasis and obesity has been widely acknowledged in adults but only recently has been established in the pediatric population. New studies have revealed not only that children with psoriasis are more likely to be obese but also that this relationship occurs worldwide and is mediated by psoriasis severity. The diagnosis of obesity in childhood is associated with numerous complications, including sleep apnea, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular mortality in adulthood. In addition, a diagnosis of psoriasis in obese children and adolescents may pose added risks, including abnormalities in blood lipid levels, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and increased cardiovascular risk. It is striking that in a recent multicenter cross-sectional study of children and adolescents with mild and severe psoriasis, the odds of obesity were higher than those previously reported for adults with psoriasis.